Multi-leaf collimators
US8467499B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21K1/046
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-leaf collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus comprises a plurality of elongate leaves mounted in a carriage, the carriage being mounted on a substrate, wherein the leaves are independently moveable relative to the carriage in a longitudinal direction, and the carriage is moveable in that direction relative to the substrate, and a control apparatus is arranged to receive a signal representing leaf positions relative to the substrate and to control the leaf positions relative to the carriage and the carriage positions relative to the substrate so as to achieve those leaf positions relative to the substrate. Most MLCs sense the current positions of the leaves relative to the substrate. The control apparatus can therefore compare the current leaf positions to the signaled leaf positions, and move the leaves and the carriage accordingly. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.